How Law Enforcement Spots Drunk Drivers

January 11, 2019
By
Wilfert Law P.C.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compiled a list consisting
of more than 100 visual cues for detecting drivers under the influence
of alcohol and drugs, based on research and interviews of law enforcement
officials making tens of thousands of
DUI arrests throughout the country. Divided into four categories, police officers
believe these signs are a common indicator of drunk driving.

The following are the four main signs of intoxication prior to the police
making a traffic stop:

Speed and brake issues – Intoxicated motorists typically experience problems with judge
distance and speed while operating a vehicle. Common speeding issues include
suddenly accelerating or decelerating for no reason, failing to drive
at a consistent speed, and driving well below or above the posted speed limit.

Issues maintaining a steady position within a driving lane – Impaired drivers have a hard time staying within their own driving
lane on the road. Common indicators of problems staying in a driving lane
include swerving, weaving in and out of traffic, drifting toward one side
of the road, and making an extremely wide turn.

Judgment problems – All licensed drivers must constantly make safe decisions when they
operate their vehicles. However, drunk drivers are more prone to taking
risks compared to safer motorists. Common examples of judgment problems
include tailgating, making illegal turns, making unsafe lane changes,
and driving off-road.

Awareness and vigilance problems – Another common indicator of drunk driving is failing to notice
road conditions, including traffic signs and traffic movement. Common
examples of a lack of awareness include driving at night without using
headlights, driving the wrong way, using the wrong turn signal to change
lanes or make turns, braking or driving slowly for no reason, or a delayed
response to traffic signals.

Once an officer establishes reasonable suspicion to pull an individual
over due to traffic violations or erratic driving behavior, there are
several other visual cues to help the officer establish
probable cause. Common signs of driver intoxication include an odor of alcohol, open
alcohol containers, delayed answers to questions, slurring, and inadequate
motor skills.

It is important to understand that law enforcement needs to have a reason
to make a traffic stop in the first place. So, if you are obeying the
traffic laws, driving at a safe speed, and mindful of your surroundings,
there is no reason for the police to pull you over.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Ventura County,
contact our Ventura criminal defense lawyer at
Wilfert Law P.C. and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.

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